| 释义 |
a hard nut (to crack) a hard nut (to crack)A person, thing, situation, or problem that is particularly difficult to understand, solve, or deal with. I've been dating Jenny for over a year, and I still think she's a hard nut to crack! Figuring out the best way to modernize our product without alienating existing customers is definitely a hard nut to crack. The spy we captured is a hard nut; he hasn't said a thing since we began the interrogation.See also: hard, nut(a) hard nut to crack and (a) tough nut to crackFig. difficult person or problem to deal with. This problem is getting me down. It's a hard nut to crack. Tom sure is a hard nut to crack. I can't figure him out.See also: crack, hard, nuthard nut to crackAlso, tough nut to crack. A difficult problem; also, an individual who is difficult to deal with. For example, This assignment is a hard nut to crack, or It won't be easy getting her approval; she's a tough nut to crack. This metaphoric expression alludes to hard-shelled nuts like walnuts. [Early 1700s] See also: crack, hard, nuta hard/tough ˈnut (to ˈcrack) (informal) a very difficult problem to solve; a very difficult person to deal with: Persuading drivers to leave their cars at home and use public transport will be a very tough nut to crack. ♢ You’ll find it difficult to make him change his mind. He’s a tough nut.See also: hard, nut, tough |